Blue tea: an exotic drink with amazing properties

Have you ever seen tea that changes color from blue to purple? If not, you might not be familiar with blue tea — an herbal drink that is gaining popularity worldwide due to its unusual appearance and beneficial properties.

In this article, we will tell you what blue tea is, what it's made of, how to brew and drink it, what benefits it can bring to your health and beauty, and much more.

 

What is blue tea?

Blue tea (Butterfly pea flower tea) is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the infusion or decoction of the flower petals or the whole flower of the Clitoria ternatea plant. Clitoria ternatea is a plant from the legume family, also known as butterfly pea, blue pea, cordofan pea, blue tea flowers, or Asian pigeonwings. This plant has bright blue flowers that give the tea its distinctive hue.

 

How and why does blue tea change color?

One of the most amazing features of blue tea is its ability to change color depending on the pH level of the substance added to it. If you add acid, such as lemon juice, to blue tea, it will turn purple or pink. If you add alkali, such as soda, it will turn green or yellow. If you add hibiscus-roselle petals, it will turn bright red.

This happens because the flowers of Clitoria ternatea contain anthocyanins — plant pigments that change their structure and color when interacting with acids and alkalis. Anthocyanins are also responsible for coloring other plants, such as red grapes, blue plums, blueberries, red cabbage, and others. Anthocyanins have many beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and more.

 

What is blue tea made of and the origin of the Clitoria ternatea flower?

Blue tea is made from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea, which are hand-picked in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This plant grows in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring sunny spots and moist soil. Flowering occurs year-round, but the largest number of flowers can be harvested from March to June.

The flowers of Clitoria ternatea are about 4 cm long and about 3 cm in diameter. They are butterfly-shaped and consist of five petals: one large and four smaller ones. The color of the petals can vary from light blue to dark blue, and they can also have white or pink shades.

 

What does blue tea taste like?

Blue tea has a very neutral and light taste, reminiscent of green tea but without the astringency and bitterness. It has a mild earthy and woody aroma that can be enhanced by adding other herbs or spices. Blue tea does not have a strong influence on taste buds, so it pairs well with various foods and dishes.

 

How to drink blue tea?

Blue tea can be drunk at any time of the day, but it is best in the morning or afternoon when you need energy, alertness, and concentration. Blue tea can be drunk on its own or with other ingredients that enhance its taste and effect. For example, you can add honey, lemon, mint, cinnamon, ginger, passion fruit, and other products to blue tea to add sweetness, acidity, freshness, spiciness, fruitiness, and other notes.

Blue tea can also be mixed with other types of tea, such as green, black, or rooibos, to create new flavors and effects. Blue tea can be consumed hot or cold, and it can also be used as a base for cocktails, smoothies, ice cream, desserts, and other culinary delights.

Most often, blue tea is used in cocktails, where the spectacle of preparing the cocktail lies in the instant color change before the eyes of the customer who ordered the drink.

Other uses include cocktails or punch bowls where blue tea is frozen into ice cubes, causing the drink to change color as the ice cubes melt. This drink is called the "mood ring cocktail."

Related articles:

The impact of green tea on human health

Varieties of black tea, ways to brew and consume it

 

Where to buy blue tea?

Blue tea can be purchased at specialty tea shops or online stores that offer exotic and rare types of tea. Blue tea is usually sold in the form of dried flowers, powder, tea bags, syrup, or extract.

The price of blue tea can vary depending on the quality, quantity, and place of production. On average, 50 grams of dried Clitoria ternatea flowers can cost about 7 USD, and 100 grams of powder — about 14 USD. Tea bags with blue tea usually cost about 4 USD for 20 pieces, and syrup or extract — about 14 USD for 250 ml.

 

Benefits of blue tea

Blue tea is not only beautiful and tasty but also a very healthy drink that can bring many benefits to your health and beauty. Blue tea contains many antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other biologically active substances that have the following effects:

• Improve brain function, memory, concentration, mood, and sleep. Blue tea stimulates the production of acetylcholine — a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. Acetylcholine improves cognitive functions, learning, thinking, and creativity. Blue tea also contains the amino acid theanine, which promotes relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep quality.
• Lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes. Blue tea has a hypoglycemic effect, which means it helps lower blood glucose levels. This is because blue tea increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin — the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. In addition, blue tea contains flavonoids that slow down the absorption of sugar from food and reduce its conversion into fat. Blue tea also helps prevent diabetic complications such as nerve, vessel, kidney, and eye damage.
• Boost immunity and protect against infections. Blue tea has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help fight various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Blue tea also stimulates the production of immunoglobulins — antibodies that recognize and destroy foreign agents. It enhances the action of macrophages and neutrophils — immune system cells that engulf and destroy microorganisms. Blue tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling, pain, and fever during inflammatory processes.
• Promote weight loss and control weight. Blue tea helps reduce weight and prevent obesity through several mechanisms. First, blue tea accelerates metabolism and increases energy expenditure, leading to burning more calories. Second, blue tea suppresses appetite and reduces hunger, helping to decrease food intake. Third, blue tea blocks the activity of lipase — an enzyme that breaks down fats in food, reducing their absorption and accumulation in the body. Fourth, blue tea improves the function of the liver and kidneys, which are responsible for detoxifying the body and removing excess fluids.
• Improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails. Blue tea contains many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary for the health and beauty of skin, hair, and nails. It contains vitamin C, which promotes the synthesis of collagen — a protein that provides skin elasticity and firmness. It contains vitamin A, which regulates the growth and development of skin, hair, and nail cells. Blue tea contains minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for the health of skin, hair, and nails. Blue tea also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help prevent and treat various skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, herpes, and others.
• Detoxify the body from toxins and free radicals. Blue tea is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals — harmful molecules that cause oxidative stress, aging, inflammation, and the development of chronic diseases. Blue tea also helps eliminate toxins from the liver, kidneys, intestines, and skin, improving their functioning and overall health of the body.

 

How to brew and drink blue tea?

Blue tea is very easy and quick to brew and drink. Here are some tips on how to do it:

1. To prepare one cup of blue tea, you will need two Clitoria ternatea flowers (fresh or dried) or one teaspoon of flower powder. If you are using tea bags, you need one bag per cup.
2. Pour boiling water over the flowers or powder and let it steep for 5–10 minutes. The more flowers and the longer the steeping time, the richer the color and taste of the tea. You can use a teapot, cup, French press, or other container for brewing tea.
3. Strain the tea from the flowers or powder and enjoy its blue color and light taste. You can add honey, lemon, mint, cinnamon, ginger, passion fruit, or other ingredients to the tea to taste. You can also change the color of the tea by adding acid or alkali and watch the interesting chemical reaction.
4. You can drink blue tea hot or cold, depending on your mood or the weather.

 

Can you drink blue tea every day?

Blue tea can be drunk every day, as it does not contain caffeine and does not cause addiction or side effects. Blue tea is beneficial for health and beauty, so it is recommended to include it in your diet. You can drink blue tea in the morning, afternoon, or evening, depending on when you need an energy boost, relaxation, detoxification, or mood improvement. Blue tea is suitable for people of all ages and genders, as well as for pregnant and breastfeeding women, if they do not have allergies or individual intolerance to this plant.

In general, you can drink blue tea every day, but do not overdo it to avoid losing its beneficial properties and not irritating the stomach. It is best to drink blue tea in the morning or afternoon when you need extra energy and concentration, and also take breaks for a few days or weeks to give your body a rest. Blue tea is also not recommended to drink at night, as it may cause insomnia or reduce the quality of sleep.

 

How much blue tea should you drink per day?

Blue tea is a safe and natural drink that has no side effects when consumed in moderation. However, like any other product, blue tea can cause an allergic reaction or intolerance in some people, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting to consume it. How much blue tea you should drink per day depends on your individual needs and preferences, but on average, the optimal dose is considered to be 2–4 cups per day.

 

Is Clitoria ternatea tea tasty?

Blue tea made from Clitoria ternatea flowers is not only beautiful and healthy but also a tasty drink that can delight lovers of exoticism and experiments.

According to reviews from people who have tried blue tea, it has a delicate, slightly floral taste that can be customized to your liking by adding various ingredients. For example, many people like to add honey, lemon, mint, cinnamon, ginger, passion fruit, and other products to blue tea to give it sweetness, acidity, freshness, spiciness, fruitiness, and other notes.

However, not everyone perceives the taste of blue tea the same way. Some find it too neutral or even tasteless and prefer more intense and vibrant drinks. Some complain about the earthy or woody aftertaste, which may be unpleasant for some taste buds.

Therefore, it is impossible to definitively answer the question "Is blue tea tasty?" as it is a matter of taste, and everyone can decide for themselves whether they like this drink or not.

 

Aroma of blue tea

Blue tea has a very delicate and light aroma that can vary depending on the brewing method and added ingredients. This aroma can be enhanced by adding other herbs or spices such as mint, cinnamon, ginger, lavender, rose, and others. Blue tea also pairs well with fruity aromas such as lemon, passion fruit, pineapple, mango, and others. It can have a sweet aroma if you add honey, sugar, agave, or stevia to it.

Blue tea can also change its aroma depending on its color. If you add acid to it, such as lemon juice or vinegar, it will turn purple or pink and acquire a more acidic and floral aroma. If you add alkali, such as soda or soap, it will turn green or yellow and acquire a more herbal and fresh aroma.

Blue tea is an aromatherapy drink that can influence your mood, emotions, and well-being. It can calm, relax, uplift, stimulate, refresh, and purify. This drink can be adapted to your taste preferences and needs by experimenting with different aromas and colors.

Clitoria ternatea tea is not only a tasty and healthy drink but also a source of inspiration for creating perfumes with the scent of blue tea. There are various brands and perfume lines that use blue tea in their compositions to give them an exotic, fresh, and floral character. For example, you can try perfumes with the scent of blue tea from brands like "L’Occitane," "Jo Malone," "Guerlain," "Lancome," "Dior," and others.

Perfumes with the scent of blue tea are suitable for women and men who love light, fresh, and floral aromas that lift the mood and create an atmosphere of harmony and tranquility. Perfumes with the scent of blue tea can also be a good gift for your loved ones who appreciate exoticism and naturalness.

 

Conclusion

Blue tea is a unique and exotic drink that not only amazes with its appearance but also has many beneficial properties for health and beauty. It helps improve brain function, lower blood sugar levels, strengthen immunity, improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails, promote weight loss and control, and much more. Blue tea can be drunk at any time of the day, adding various ingredients to enhance its taste and effect. It can also be used as a base for cocktails, smoothies, ice cream, desserts, and other culinary delights.

Blue tea is a drink that can be adapted to your taste preferences and needs by experimenting with different aromas and colors. It is a safe and natural product that has no side effects when consumed in moderation but can cause an allergic reaction or intolerance in some people, so it is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming it.

If you want to try blue tea, you can buy it in specialty tea shops or online stores that offer exotic and rare types of tea. You can also make blue tea yourself if you have Clitoria ternatea flowers or powder. For this, you will need boiling water, a teapot, a cup, and a strainer. Follow these simple steps to enjoy this amazing drink:

• Take one or more Clitoria ternatea flowers or one teaspoon of powder and place them in a teapot or cup.
• Pour boiling water over them and let it steep for 5–10 minutes. The more flowers and the longer the steeping time, the richer the color and taste of the tea.
• Strain the tea through a strainer and enjoy its blue or purple color. You can add honey, lemon, mint, cinnamon, ginger, passion fruit, or other ingredients to the tea to enhance its taste and effect. You can also mix blue tea with other types of tea, such as green, black, or rooibos, to create new flavors and effects.
• Enjoy blue tea hot or cold, depending on your mood and the weather.

Blue tea is a drink worth trying at least once in a lifetime to see its unusual color, taste its delicate flavor and aroma, and appreciate its beneficial properties. This drink can make your life brighter, healthier, and more beautiful. Try blue tea and share your impressions with friends and loved ones.